Dealing With the Jail System: 6 Important Facts You Need to Remember

Have you been sentenced to incarceration or know someone who is in this situation? This is a tough place and a huge compliance battle is going to take place if you want to get out of there. People are imprisoned for various reasons, and some are even falsely imprisoned. 

However, according to ResearchGate, “Every person is born with certain human rights and that cannot be curtailed for being a prisoner. These are fundamental and inalienable to all human beings.” 

Just so you can make smart moves and choices, you should know about these 6 important facts if you are dealing with the jail system. 

Visiting Procedures And Inmate Communication

It’s fair to say that visiting rights aren’t quite as straightforward as perhaps they ought to be, but make no mistake, you are entitled to receive communication and visits from loved ones as well as any disciplinary counsel you’ve been working with.

But your rights are going to be based on state and federal level along with the set of jail rules you’ll have to follow. They can also vary significantly depending on the type of facility (federal prison, state prison, or local lockup)), your security level, and individual circumstances.

Fortunately, one of the more straightforward aspects of visitation lies in the hands of those seeking your location. Because you will be logged and filed based on the person level you’re at, your loved ones or anyone else shouldn’t find it too tricky figuring out where you are based. 

Certain jurisdictions, like the Riverside County Inmate Department, also go out of their way to offer a range of services for family members and attorneys to search for and locate those they need to seek out.

The entire visitor procedure is going to be based on your crime. But here are the steps that will help you get visitation rights:

• Approval: Anyone wanting to visit you inside will first need to get approval, which may require background checks. Once they are on the approved list, visits thereafter must become more seamless. 
• Scheduling: Visits often need to be scheduled in advance, with specific days and times. People can’t just rock up to the prison and expect to visit you. Even though you do have protections about visitation, it must be arranged and is usually at the time and choosing of the prison housing you. 
• Regulations: Numerous facilities will have stringent rules that cover almost everything that has to do with contact. Some will even have rules surrounding dress codes and include things you might think are random but serve a purpose (such as not being allowed to wear denim). 
• Contact: Physical contact is strictly prohibited and this needs to be followed strictly. 
• Duration: Visit duration may be limited due to space or security concerns, making it essential that you arrange meetings in advance so that you can fully prepare.

Rights Of Inmates During Incarceration

Make no mistake, just because you have been sentenced to a custodial sentence doesn’t mean you have the majority of your fundamental rights stripped away. There are certain limitations on your authority for various reasons.

You will retain many of the most basic human ideals that are typically afforded to citizens of most developed nations. These include, but, might not be limited to:

• Protection from cruel and unusual punishment
• Due process
• Access to the courts
• Freedom of speech and religion
• Medical care
• Legal representation

It’s important to note, however, that while you should be guaranteed every one of these rights, the way they’re implemented will differ across state lines and be based on the type of facility you find yourself in. 

Importance Of Legal Representation Even While Inside

Some so many individuals are waiting for their trial or wish that their loved ones gather the bail amount. 

This has caused a unique situation in the USA specifically, whereby you could find yourself behind bars and, in some ways, already presumed guilty before you’ve even had due process. 

This post isn’t aimed to go into the ins and outs of the law but rather to inform you that you still have the right to obtain attorney representation, and as long as regulations and sentence requirements are met, this would be private and without hindrance. 

In the infographic below, you can see all the bail bond steps.

Navigating Bail And Bond Processes

As alluded to in the previous point, you might not have been to trial, yet still find, yourself serving time. The bail and bond system is lengthy and frustrating, and it can take time depending on the depth of your case. 

If you want to get yourself out and on the right side of the walls until you get to present your case in court, you will need to either have a friend or family member bail you out, take out a bond (which usually carries significant interest rates) or hire a lawyer to plead your case.

Nonetheless, you are contractually entitled to carry out the process while behind bars, and if you find yourself being unnecessarily hindered in your attempts, you might be able to initiate your legal action against the prison in question. 

Programs Available For Inmate Rehabilitation

If you’ve been found guilty of the said charges, then you have no other option other than serving your time. If your appeal has been dismissed, you are done there. 

Fortunately, many prisons will have a few different programs open to those who are willing to show change that enables them to keep busy and perhaps even learn a valuable skill they can use once they’re set free.

It’s very worthwhile considering taking anything available as it will keep you busy, shine you in a good light if you’re in line for a parole hearing, and perhaps more crucially, prepare you for life on the outside.

PRO TIP
Make sure to document everything like all the meticulous interactions, requests, or any violation of rights. This can be used further in your favor and legal resources!

Preparing For Reentry Into Society

There is no doubt that a stretch inside for any length of time over 6 months will change a person. The loss of the signs you usually take for granted, paired with the unique culture that exists in these institutions, can dramatically change a person.

You can start taking courses as it will keep you busy, you’ll also be able to remain grounded so that upon your release, you can reintegrate into society with a few of the issues that tend to plight most intimates. 

Dealing with the courthouse administration is never an easy task, and in plenty of ways, it can feel as though it has been set up to be purposefully complex. In reality, this is not the case, and as long as you’re prepared and know your privileges, you should come out on the other side relatively intact.

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